I have a chapter in a new book coming out this month, Ignite Your Leadership. The book has been delayed and is finally coming out and I am amazed again at the perfection of the Universe. Because, the book, which focuses on how to be a truly inspirational, authentic, powerful, empowering leader is exactly what the world needs at this very moment. When times get really bad, that is when leaders step into their greatness.

I was talking to one of my closest friends last night about the next generation. We were talking about the sense of entitlement and general lack of joy that we see in so many younger than us, even though, they have so much. Then we started talking about the amazing things that they were doing by the age of 20 that took us much longer to master. We laughed at how we sounded like "old people" talking about "those kids". What we both know for sure, is that this generation is going to create some remarkable leaders. Not because of who they are, but because that is what the world needs.

While there are definitely characteristics that define a good leader, the truth is, that the best leaders know how to respond to the situation in front of them. And, they respond in a way that brings out the best of each of the people following them. True leaders understand it is not about them, but about the possibility of what can be created when each person discovers their own potential.

I am amazed by what I am seeing when I look out into the world today. Leaders that are rising up, not because they ever wanted to be leaders, but because they understand that there is work to be done. Today's leaders are coming 100% from passion and care and are learning on their way up. There is always more to learn as a leader. There are plenty who will give you feedback and tell you how they would have done it differently, but, you cannot fake authentic care. The leaders I am seeing today, some as young as 9 years old, authentically care about the cause they are standing for. Today is the day. Now is the time. It is time for each of us to raise fully into who we really are and make this world a better place, in our own unique way. We have been practicing for a long time and the time has come where the world needs our individual and collective brilliance.

I am thrilled to have co-authored a new book, Ignite your Leadership, with eight other amazing leaders. People who daily help others find the light in themselves. To launch the book, we are doing a *free* leadership summit featuring over 30 short interviews from leaders from all industries and paths sharing what ignited their leadership and the one lesson they would share from their own personal journey. I hope you will join the summit, February 13-23rd and also tell others about this book. It is time for all leaders to step up with more authenticity and love to create a world that works better for all of us.

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. - Dumbledore, Harry Potter

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. - Ghandi

"Find the thing that brings you joy and just do that. Be happy." This is advice I find myself giving and receiving on a daily basis. It seems silly to talk about doing the thing that makes you happy when there are so many serious issues and problems to face. But the truth is, facing those from a place of anger, fear, worry, anxiety, or any other emotion that is not peace and love, will only bring about more of that which we do not want.

When I talk about the things that make you happy, I mean the real simple joys of life. Today, I was feeling icky. I didn't sleep well last night. The same thoughts were circling in my mind that I had no answers to, and on top of all that, I had to get something done for a client that felt overwhelming. For the old me, these would all be reasons to hunker down and get to work. But the new me knows that nothing good would come of trying to create anything of meaning while feeling icky. So, I went to my go-to joy activity - taking a walk. Mind you, it was 29 degrees out when I left, and I had a conference call that I had to be on in 20 minutes (my walk takes about an hour), and... But, the sun was shining super bright and my soul needed a walk. While I fiddled with my phone to put on something motivational, I heard birds chirping. I didn't put my ear buds in and just listened to the birds. I noticed that lining the road I was walking on were hundreds of bare trees, with no leaves, looking dead and depressed (you get an idea of the ick feeling I was in). As I walked and thought, of course the trees look beaten down, a beautiful, bright, red cardinal flew in the branches. And, then another, and another. I kept walking, and another bird, with a beautiful blue head flew into a different tree. And, then I saw a beautiful evergreen tree. And, all of a sudden, the entire dead scene around me had specks of color in it - a black and white cat in the field on the side of the road, a golden retriever, birds, and a small flower growing out on the side of the road in the dead of winter. That is when I knew, the Universe was sending me a message.

Its not about the LARGER picture scene, because that was pretty dreary. But, it is about the little specs of beauty in a moment. My client was 20 minutes late to our call, allowing me more time to enjoy my walk. By the time I got on the call, I was in a great mood. By the time I got home, the call which would have lasted an hour was miraculously done. I realized I was hungry and went out to grab myself something to eat. Normally, I would consider this wasted time when I had stuff to do - but I was so happy, I knew this would only add to my productivity. It took me about an hour to get the document done. And, while my co-workers were reviewing it, I took a bubble bath. When I was done, I had their feedback and I sent it off. Not a bad day at "work".

When things start to feel overwhelming, our go to is to dig in, try harder, and do more. In that moment, the best thing to do is let go and find something (one tiny, little thing) that will bring you joy. And, when you do, when you go back to the task at hand it will either be handled or you will see it with new energy and new eyes.

The hard part is STOPPING the vibration you are in and forcing yourself to just go do something that would make you happy. That's why I created the Joy Challenge. For 30 days, we commit to doing one thing that would bring you joy. Sounds so easy... but previous challenge participants will tell you it is harder than you may guess. The results of this are astounding - long held goals, accomplished with ease and while people were having fun! Joy really is the secret ingredient. If you are doing something, and in that moment it is not bringing you joy, take a minute to take a break, and do something small that will bring you some happiness. You will see when you go back to the task at hand, it will be easier to do. Join us for Joy Challenge 2017 (for FREE) in April!

fROM aMINA...

Hi! Welcome to my blog, Lunch with Cinderella. I love writing about my life experiences and the fact that they may help spur some cool experiences of your own. If you are here, leave a comment... I read them all and love hearing from you!With love,Amina

Amina is affectionately known as the Sunshine Manifestor because of her ability to easily materialize her sincere hopes and wishes.